Army National Guard - Readiness NCO & Company Commander Relationship

In most Army National Guard units, the unitwere pay, schools, promotions and suspensions.
Readiness NCO is the senior full-time person in theAlthough he didn't do all these himself, these were
company.the most important issues he focused on. Whenever
He or she typically handles the day-to-day issuesan issue in any of these four areas arose, he
within the company, and also manages the full-timestopped what he was doing and tackled the issue
staff to include a Training NCO, Administration NCO,immediately.
and Supply NCO.It's vital for company commanders to have an
During my two years in command, I relied on myefficient AGR staff. In essence, your staff helps
full-time Readiness NCO a lot. As a new companydetermine whether or not you succeed as a
commander in the Army National Guard, you will relycompany commander.
on your full-time staff too.You must give your Readiness NCO the authority to
Since your AGR staff is at the unit every day, it'smake decisions in your absence. You must "support"
important to form a good working relationship withthem and have their back too.
them.Commanders should call the armory once each day
One key to success is to determine priorities. You(or every other day) to stay in touch with their AGR
need to help your Readiness NCO establish prioritiesstaff. This enables them to know what is going on in
for herself and for her subordinates. This can bethe unit at all times.
done with effective counseling and guidance.The secret to success is effective, two-way
Personally, I helped establish priorities for all my AGRcommunication.
staff. For instance, my Readiness NCOs top priorities